According to ESPN.com, Pedro Martinez and his agent are negotiating with the Philadelphia Phillies on a deal that would bring the three-time AL Cy Young Award winner back to the major leagues.
The Phillies recently scouted Martinez in his native home in the Dominican Republic.
"The Phillies saw me this past Tuesday in a simulated game and I felt very good with my fastball and all my pitches," Martinez said Thursday.
Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. denied the report that a deal was done, but he did admit that the Phillies were interested.
"He has not been signed," Amaro said before the NL East-leading Phillies played Cincinnati on Thursday night. "We've seen him pitch. He's not in town.
Apparently the Philadelphia Phillies have asked Martinez to work out for a second time, which he initially refused; however, he has since changed his position and agreed to work out Friday. Martinez will throw at 1 p.m. at the Phillies complex in the Dominican Republic.
If the Phillies elect to sign Martinez it is expected that they will no longer pursue Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay.
It looks like the Phillies are the lone team that has shown serious interest in Martinez. If the reports are true that his fastball has been clocking in at 93 mph, then he might be worth the gamble. The price for Halladay is going to be so insane that the Phills would be better off rolling the dice on Martinez and keeping their farm system in tact.
Plus I'm sure Phillies fan's would love to pull up to Citi Field with Martinez sporting the red and white.
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